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Match Report: 1-2 loss to Real Madrid

A late goal denies RCD Espanyol a share of the points

RCD Espanyol's LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 2 game against Real Madrid ended in a 1-2 defeat, as a late goal for the visitors broke hearts at the RCDE Stadium.

After going behind, Àlex Calatrava had equalised for Los Pericos in the first half, but the stoppage time strike from Carlos Espí took Real Madrid back in front before the final whistle.

The contest had barely got underway before Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham headed home a free kick from Arda Güler to make it 0-1.

The team reacted confidently. They became more solid during the following minutes, and as soon as Espanyol found their rhythm and applied their pace, their best spell of play arrived. It was enough to create five good chances, including Calatrava's goal that leveled the scoreline in the 29th minute.

The home side had already threatened with two consecutive shots in less than 30 seconds: One from Clemens Riedel from outside the box, and after a series of rebounds, another from Roberto Fernández that went over the bar. Then Tyrhys Dolan played to Javi Hernández, who then assisted for Calatrava, who placed the ball beyond the goalkeeper's reach.

Real Madrid responded tentatively, and Marko Dmitrovic made a crucial save with his foot to deny Kylian Mbappé a clear shot. 

Espanyol continued to press forward, waiting for their moment as they approached the Real Madrid penalty area. A cross from the right found neither Dolan nor Roberto able to connect with a header that was grazed by a Madrid defender and went just wide.

Javi Hernández, Calatrava, and Edu Expósito orchestrated the play in midfield as Los Pericos looked solid.

Calatrava had the first real chance of the second half, but failed to find the target against Courtois. Real Madrid pressed forward, putting pressure on Dmitrovic.

Mbappé and Bellingham had another double opportunity, and Fede Valverde had a shot in the 77th minute that crashed against the crossbar.

However, when the game entered into stoppage time, Real Madrid's Carlos Espí got ahead of the Espanyol goalkeeper and provided the winning goal for the visitors.